Nepal: 18 people are killed in a Nepalese plane crash when a Saurya Airlines flight crashes during takeoff.
A devastating plane disaster involving a Saurya Airlines aircraft happened on July 24, 2024, close to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal. Eighteen passengers, including the co-pilot, died in the devastating crash; the pilot, amazingly, survived. The difficulties with aircraft safety in Nepal have been brought to light once more by this occurrence.
The plane, which was being transported to Pokhara Regional Airport for maintenance, crashed into a canyon on the eastern side of the runway as soon as it caught fire following the collision. The plane turned before takeoff, witnesses said, and its wing tip struck the ground before falling.
Prior to being purchased by India’s Kuber Group in 2019, Saurya Airlines experienced financial difficulties. The airline’s operations were put on hold in December 2018 because of outstanding debts; however, they were brought back in 2020.
This catastrophe occurs in the wake of another recent aviation disaster in Nepal, wherein all 72 people on board a Yeti Airlines aircraft perished in a crash in January 2023.
The Crash: Specifics of the Mishap
There were 19 people on board the aircraft, a Saurya Airlines CRJ 200 registered 9N-AME, including crew and technical personnel. As the aircraft prepared to take off, it left Tribhuvan International Airport and headed toward Pokhara Regional Airport, where it will be maintained. Reports from eyewitnesses stated that the aircraft was trying to take off. from the runway’s southern end when it abruptly deviated off course. According to reports, the aircraft quickly overturned and caught fire when the wing tip struck the ground. Then, on the eastern side of the runway, it fell into a gorge.
Significant damage was inflicted by the fire that broke out after the collision, and smoke billowed from the debris. To oversee the rescue efforts, emergency personnel, such as police and firefighters, were sent to the scene right away.
Victims and Survivors
Manish Shakya, a 37-year-old pilot, was saved from the debris and brought to a Sinamangal hospital to receive medical attention. 18 people lost their lives in the collision, including co-pilot Sushant Katuwal and a number of other passengers, despite the fact that he survived. Manu Raj Sharma’s wife and child were among the fatalities.
Of course! Here is a more thorough explanation of the incident’s background:
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Details of the Nepali Plane Crash
Overview of the Incident:
**Time and Place:** In Kathmandu, Nepal, the collision happened close to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA).
**Details of the aircraft:** The aircraft in question was a CRJ 200 operated by Saurya Airlines, registered 9N-AME.
**Travel Situation:** When the mishap occurred, the aircraft was just getting started.
Deadlines
**Deaths:** Along with numerous airline employees, co-pilot Sushant Katuwal was among the eighteen fatalities. The spouse and child of Saurya Airlines technician Manu Raj Sharma were also among the dead.
**Alive:** Manish Shakya, the pilot, was taken to a local hospital for medical attention after surviving the collision.
Details of the Crash:
**Aviation Performance:** According to reports, the aircraft overturned during takeoff, with its wing tip striking the ground. As a result, it instantly caught fire and crashed into a ravine on the runway’s eastern side.
**Survival Approach:** When police and firefighters saw smoke coming from the wreckage, they knew it was time to start rescue efforts.
Saurya Airlines Background
**Ownership:** In 2019, the airline was purchased for 630 million Nepali rupees by the Kuber Group of India. The 2021 rebranding as Kuber Airlines was planned, but it was postponed.
**Credit Background:** Financial issues, particularly debt, forced Saurya Airlines to temporarily suspend operations in December 2018. Operations recommenced in 2020 following a partial debt payback.
Earlier Event:
Yeti Airlines Accident: This tragedy reminds me of Yeti Airlines’ first crash, which happened in January of 2023. All 72 occupants of a Yeti Airlines ATR-72 perished in the collision in Pokhara. The cause of the crash was determined to be human error by the investigation.
Status as of right now:
**Airport Activities:** Following the accident, Saurya Airlines grounded all of its flights while additional inquiries and safety evaluations were conducted.
inquiry and future actions:
**Investigation:** To ascertain the cause of the accident and evaluate any contributing circumstances, an inquiry into the crash is probably going to be carried out.
**Protective Steps:** This disaster would probably cause the airline safety regulations and operational practices in Nepal to come under closer examination.
Nepal’s historical aviation accident incidents
The tragedy emphasizes the necessity of strict safety procedures and maintenance methods, as well as the continuous difficulties the aviation industry in Nepal faces.
Over the years, Nepal has had a number of noteworthy aircraft crashes, frequently as a result of difficult terrain, inclement weather, and problems with aircraft maintenance and pilot training. Here is a rundown of a few noteworthy previous events:
1. January 15, 2023, Yeti Airlines Crash
The aircraft is an ATR-72.
Location: Seti River bank, Pokhara.
Flight Number: 9N-ANC72 people died, including 5 Indians.
Details: Shortly before the plane touched down at Pokhara Airport, it crashed. The crash was attributed to human error by the inquiry team.
2. May 29, 2022: Tara Air Crash
Twin Otter 300 aircraft
Location: Close to Jomsom, Mustang
Flight Number: 9NAET: 22 people died, including 2 Germans and 4 Indians.
Details: The aircraft vanished while flying from Pokhara to Jomsom; it was eventually discovered wrecked in the mountains. The inquiry is continuing.
3. March 12, 2018: Nepal Airlines Crash
The aircraft, an Airbus A320, is located at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Its flight number is 9N-ANC.
Details: 1 fatality (crew member injured) A landing gear malfunction caused the plane to make a hard landing, which resulted in damage but no casualties.
4. September 28, 2012, Sita Air Crash
The aircraft is a Dornier Do 228. The flight number is 9N-AHA.Place: Close to Kathmandu
Details: 19 fatalities (including 4 foreigners) Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft crashed, perhaps as a result of pilot mistake or engine failure.
5. August 24, 2010: Agni Air Crash
Aircraft: Dornier Do 228;
Location: Close to Jomsom;
Flight Number: 9N-AIG
Details: 15 fatalities (including 2 crew members) When the aircraft was trying to land at a little airport in the mountains in poor weather, it crashed.
6. The February 7, 2009, crash of Yeti Airlines
Vehicle: Dornier Do 228; Registration Number: 9N-AIB; Location: Close to Jumla (**) 14 people have died (including 2 crew members).
**Information:** Bad weather and low visibility caused the airplane to crash into a hill.
7. Norway Air Disaster (November 26, 2008)
The aircraft is a Dornier Do 228. Its flight number is 9N-AHA. It is located in Kathmandu.
Details: There were 13 fatalities overall, including 2 crew members. A combination of technical failure and pilot mistake caused the plane to crash during takeoff.
8. March 17, 1992—the day of the Nepal Airlines crash
Airbus A310 aircraft
Flight Number: 9N-ACB
Location: Close to Kathmandu
Details: There were 113 fatalities overall, including 10 crew members. Pilot mistake and low visibility caused the aircraft to crash on its final approach to Kathmandu. In Nepal’s aviation history, this was one of the deadliest incidents.
9. The January 11, 2011 Buddha Air Crash
The aircraft is a Beechcraft 1900D, and its flight number is 9N-AHE.
Place: Close to Kathmandu
Details: 19 fatalities total (including 2 crew members) The airplane crashed because of bad weather and navigational problems in the hills surrounding Kathmandu.
10. July 26, 1994: Nepal Airlines Crash
Aircraft: Boeing 727
Location: Kathmandu
Flight Number: 9N-ACA
Details: 5 fatalities (including 3 crew members) After the plane crashed during a go-around, there was a thorough examination of pilot training and protocols.
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These accidents highlight the difficulties Nepali aviation faces, including as the nation’s difficult terrain, erratic weather patterns, and the requirement for strict maintenance and safety procedures. Investigations into each collision have been conducted with the goal of raising safety standards and averting such tragedies.